Agency behind some of Hollywood's biggest stars makes a film about Paddington Academy teacher
5 January 2011
The Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Foundation, the charitable arm of a Hollywood talent agency which represents some of the world’s biggest stars, including Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt, has made a fly-on-the-wall documentary film about a teacher at Paddington Academy. The film, which features a day in the life of Art and Design teacher Mervin Kissoon, was created to support the work of three charities working to address educational disadvantage in the UK, USA and China.
The film portrays a typical day in the life of Mervin who was recruited into teaching by education charity Teach First which trains and places exceptional graduates into schools in challenging circumstances. The film follows him from bedroom to classroom as he makes his way through the ups and downs of an average day of teaching.
Mervin takes centre stage as he speaks about his experience of teaching and explains what motivated him to join Teach First and be part of its mission to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live or their family circumstances, has access to a first class education.
On being filmed, Mervin Kissoon said: “I was a little daunted when they asked to film me waking up in the morning but it was brilliant for a day in the life of Paddington Academy to be caught on camera. Teaching at Paddington Academy is more than just a job and so it was a real pleasure to give the film crew just a glimpse of some of the fantastic activities taking place here.
”Teach First has been the perfect introduction to teaching. The support and encouragement I receive from Teach First is critical in making me the teacher I am.”
Paddington Academy Principal, Mrs Oli Tomlinson said: “Mervin and his Teach First colleagues have made a valuable contribution to Paddington Academy. Their bounding enthusiasm for teaching is infectious and their dedication and hard work as with all our staff is helping us make a real difference to the lives of our students.”
Teach First Founder and CEO Brett Wigdortz said: “We are delighted that the CAA Foundation has chosen to support the work of Teach First and showcase the outstanding work being done by Mervin and the thousands of teachers like him up and down the country.
“Teach First has been working in partnership with Paddington Academy for seven years, recruiting, training and placing 19 of the countries most able graduates as teachers there since 2003. Supporters such as the CAA Foundation help to ensure that we can continue to make significant progress in ensuring that every child is allowed to reach their full academic potential.”
Mr. Kissoon from Redu on Vimeo.
